Fresh Ideas by Lorie Schaefer: Public art makes an impression that pays

After being out of town for two weeks, Carson City looked especially beautiful upon our return. Even our long-time-coming and still-under-construction freeway looked good. The life-size silhouettes on the overpasses at Fifth Street and Fairview Drive and the recent addition of more rustic sculptures made me proud. The horses and riders, settlers and Native Americans tell the story of Eagle Valley.

Our story.

Nevertheless, I could already hear the resident grumps of our fair city complaining about money "wasted" on art.

First, let me say that on a recent trip to Banff, Alberta, Canada, we saw a number of superbly designed animal overpasses, complete with attractive stonework and landscaping. They not only fit aesthetically into their Canadian Rockies environment but fulfill their purpose. They reduce the number of costly and dangerous animal-vehicle collisions as well as facilitate wildlife migration. I was impressed.

Second, while traveling cross-country a few years ago we noticed that each of Iowa's rest-stop/welcome centers along I-80 highlighted a different aspect of the state's history and culture. Iowa writers were featured at one such stop. A giant fountain pen sculpture stood outside its entrance. These facilities both informed visitors and gave them a favorable first impression.

Furthermore, in the mid-1970s, the State of Oregon developed a policy requiring one percent of the construction costs of all new and remodeled state buildings be spent on art. Public art. Impressive.

So you can see public art in public spaces is nothing new, even along Nevada highways. In 2002 the Nevada State Transportation Board adopted the Landscape and Aesthetics Master Plan. It established guidelines for aesthetic improvements along Nevada's roads and highways. NSTB recognized that beauty pleases the eye and enriches life. It also helps the economy.

Pleasing the eye is nothing to be sneezed at. In a state like Nevada, where we depend so heavily on visitors, it literally pays to make a good impression. When Carson City looks appealing and interesting, people stop to look around. They eat, they stay overnight, and they spend money. They tell their friends. Moreover, the design, construction and installation of these most recent enhancements provided jobs for local workers.

On its website, the Nevada Department of Transportation says this: "Highways are among the most visible artifacts of our civilization. Our highways give form to our communities and impact our daily lives. They connect us to each other and to the place we have chosen to call home. They welcome our guests upon arrival, send them on their way when they leave, and influence the quality of life of every citizen in the state."

I couldn't have said it better myself.

• Lorie Schaefer is retired, mostly.